Don’t listen to your whacko SEC fan who thinks they shouldn’t even play this game. Notre Dame matches up well with Alabama. In fact, Brian Kelly has said he modeled this Irish team after the SEC: play great defense, run the ball, get the game to the fourth quarter. Don’t be shocked if this game plays out the same way.

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Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Stanford

Braun vs. Braun, Might vs. Might. The Badgers made it to their third straight Rose Bowl by mauling Nebraska like few ever have. Stanford got there by grinding out a second straight victory over UCLA. Maybe not a sexy game, but an entertaining one.

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Fiesta Bowl: Oregon vs. Kansas State

The Consolation Bowl. Two teams that controlled their destiny to play for it all and couldn’t get it done. The Fiesta gets a fun game with two intriguing storylines: Does Ducks coach Chip Kelly leave for the NFL before or after the game, and K-State QB Collin Klein’s (and the Wildcats’) statement game.

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Sugar Bowl: Florida vs. Louisville

Much will be determined by Charlie Strong’s future employment. If he stays at UL, the Cardinal will be inspired in a big game. And if he leaves for a bigger BCS job (see: Auburn, Tennessee, Arkansas), the Cardinal will be crushed. Sort of like Florida vs. Cincinnati in 2009 Sugar Bowl. We all know what happened there.

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Orange Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Florida State

How about this gift for Florida State? Get pounded by rival Florida, then get a gift in the ACC Championship Game (Miami self-imposes penalty; 6-6 Georgia Tech takes its place), and another gift from the BCS: Northern Illinois.